CPM realizes big danger, pulls out of Saji Cherian’s reception meeting

CHENGANNUR: The CPM has pulled out of the reception programme arranged for ex-minister Saji Cherian at Chengannur. The party’s local leadership had earlier decided to organize a grand welcome for Saji Cherian at Kanjirammoottil on Thursday evening. All the preparations for the event was completed and even the media were informed. However, the party took a U-turn all of sudden and withdrew from the function.

According to hints from the party leadership, the reception was postponed owing to heavy rains in many parts of the state and that the party workers need to come forward to alleviate people’s sufferings. Hints also suggest that once the rains are over, the reception meeting might be held with the participation of state leaders.

According to reports, the reception programme has been postponed due to the intervention of the party's state leadership, which realized that hosting such an event for a minister, who had lost his ministerial berth for insulting the constitution, could lead to serious problems and campaigns against the party at the national level. The leadership realized that such a reception could trigger campaigns, claiming that the party is against the country and the Constitution. The party is already in a difficult situation following Swapna’s revelations and the AKG Centre attack. The UDF has also used every possible opportunity against the CPM. Amid the prevailing situation, Saji Cherian’s resignation was indeed a huge relief for the party. Hence, a reception programme for the leader will only make things worse.

Meanwhile, a case has been registered against former minister Saji Cherian on the complaint of insulting the Constitution. He has been charged under section two of the Prevention of Insult to National Honour Act. The Keezhvaipur police took action after examining the visuals of the speech. This is a section against contempt of the Constitution by word or deed. This case is punishable by imprisonment up to three years and a fine. The Thiruvalla Judicial First Class Magistrate Court had directed the police to file a case against Saji Cherian, last day.